A review by daethule
The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky

adventurous challenging dark hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was a dark pleasure to read. SO well written with believable, multifaceted characters. I truly felt like I was reading a true story, like I was listening to Omat tell the story of her life. She felt so real that I was genuinely repulsed and horrified by Issuk's actions against her, like I would be for a real-life friend. 
I don't know how accurate a portrayal this is of ancient Inuit culture, but I like to imagine it's very close and I learned a lot about a culture I knew almost nothing of beforehand. I loved the first part so much, I almost wish the whole book would've stuck to the Inuit family and social dynamics that made up the first 200 pages, instead of haring off on a Viking adventure. I kind of feel like things took a downward turn after the Vikings showed up (a phrase which I imagine has been uttered by many societies over the centuries). But only a little. And only because I've read way more about Norse gods and Vikings, and I wanted to read about Inuit now. It was still a great adventure. And it ended on such a high note. 
Just a genuinely well-crafted story all around. I'll definitely be revisiting this one in the future. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings